The Blue Notebook - A Weekly SMPD Recap March 1 - 8, 2025

March 21, 2025 8:17 PM
by Lewis Gilmour

DEPARTMENT-WIDE STATISTICS

Total Calls for Service (CFS) 03/1 – 03/08:  2,227.  2025 Total:  21,205

 Source of calls:

PATROL OPERATIONS

Sexual Battery of City Employee- 1900 Lincoln Blvd Officers responded to a radio call regarding a sexual battery against a Big Blue Bus motor coach operator. The victim stated she stopped the bus in the 1900 block of Lincoln Blvd. when a passenger in a wheelchair entered the bus. While assisting the person in the wheelchair, the suspect approached them from the behind and completed the sexual battery.  The suspect made statements admitting to the battery and was booked for 243.4(d) PC- Sexual Battery. 

Firearm/Narco Arrest – 1600 Ocean Front Walk Officers stopped a vehicle for a sign violation with two occupants. A firearm (Glock 17) was visible, unlocked outside its gun box with loose ammunition nearby. Officers also found Nitrous Oxide canisters, open alcohol containers, and marijuana. The firearm was registered to the driver. A search revealed a white powdery substance on the driver. Both individuals were arrested.

T-Stop Possession of Stolen Property – Ocean/Bay During a traffic stop, officers found three stolen catalytic converters and saw blades in the vehicle. The suspects had grease on their hands. They were cited for possession of stolen property.

Robbery – 500 Wilshire Blvd Officers responded to a robbery report where a suspect assaulted an employee and stole a smoothie. While fleeing, the suspect was struck by a vehicle. The suspect was treated, cleared, and arrested.

Bike Stop, Resisting, Parole Hold Officers stopped a bicyclist for municipal violations. The suspect initially refused to stop, then attempted to flee. He was on parole, and a parole hold was placed.

Unknown Trouble, Assault on Officer Officers responded to a disturbance where a female suspect was damaging property. She threw a vase at an officer, then fled. After a failed Taser attempt, the suspect was tackled.

Public View Death/Overdose – 1200 Alley 7 A homeless man was found unresponsive and gasping. Legion Security administered Narcan before officers arrived. Drug paraphernalia was found nearby. The man was pronounced deceased by SMFD, with no signs of foul play. The coroner was notified.

Battery/Hate Crime –2nd St and Colorado Two individuals, while holding hands and walking from the MTA train station were struck from behind by a suspect yelling vulgar terms referencing their sexual preference. Two additional suspects accused of punching and kicking the victims were also gone upon officers’ arrival. The victims suffered minor injuries. 

Burglary – Motor Vehicle (Followed from Bank) / 800blk Pico Blvd.  Victim withdrawals a large amount of cash from the bank and places it in his glovebox and drives to Ed’s liquor. While in the store, suspect breaks into the vehicle and steals the money from glovebox. Investigations remains ongoing.

Narcotics Possession (Sales) / 1500blk 16th St.  Officers received a radio call of person possibly dealing drugs from his vehicle. Upon contacting the suspect officers found large quantity of narcotics, paraphernalia, and items consistent with sales.

Burglary / Fraud Warrant – No Bail (From TX) / 2800blk Pico Blvd. A suspect is reported for harassing employees and customers at the retail location. Officers contact the suspect outside the store and subsequently learn he has a fully extraditable, no bail warrant out of Texas and is taken into custody.

A livability operation in the downtown area with DSU Officers and with the assistance of DART which resulted in:

ONGOING OPERATIONS:

Periodic checks to address Quality of Life Operations in Tongva, Reed and Palisades Parks.

Periodic Checks: Front Lobby; 00 Bay; Beach Lots; Main St

 Officers conducted approximately 3 hours on foot patrol on 3rd St., 2nd St and Ocean Ave.

Periodic checks of structures 2, 4, 6 and 9. 

TRAFFIC EDUCATION & ENFORCEMENT

Upcoming Operations conducted at key locations throughout the City: Bike/Pedestrian Safety March 7 & March 8

Weekly Stats*:

* Note: Data does not include ALL traffic-related incidents Citywide, but a snapshot of some of the operations conducted.

Type Citation Types Issued:

CRIME IMPACT TEAM (CIT)

 CIT with the assistance of SPU personnel conducted a parole compliance check operation at several locations throughout the city and the following was the activity:

2600 block of 23rd St.- The suspect was not home, however drugs were recovered from his immediate area/bedroom. 0.72 grams of methamphetamine and several plastic 1x1 baggies recovered. Parole was contacted and a warrant was issued for Parole violation. During the check, two occupants were identified and found to have warrants and both were arrested.

2100 block of Delaware Ave- Search conducted and no violations of parole conditions were found. 

1800 block of 20th St.- Search conducted and no violations of parole conditions were found.

1600 block of 15th St- CIT responded to a suspicious person call regarding a male subject conducting narcotic sales from his vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the suspect and a search of the vehicle revealed several ounces of meth, plastic baggies and a digital scale. The suspect was arrested for narcotic sales.

DIRECTED ACTION RESPONSE TEAM (DART)

Weekly Stats:

1300 blk of Pal Park- While on DSU Livability Operation, Officers contacted an unhoused individual and found that he had two active SMPD warrants ($51,000 each). The suspect was arrested and booked at SMPD jail. 

1300 blk of Pal Park- During a DSU Livability Operation, Officers contacted an unhoused suspect who admitted to currently absconding from Parole. A wants check confirmed the subject was wanted for no bail Parole Warrant (245 PC). The suspect was booked and transported to IRC for housing.

Structure 2/ Level 1- DART Officers contacted an unhoused subject for loitering in the parking structure. The subject had been previously advised. A citation was issued for municipal code violation. 

2000 block of Ocean Ave- DART contacted a subject for an open container. Investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of a meth pipe. The suspect was an unhoused chronic offender and was cited out in the field. A stay away order requested for the location. 

CODE ENFORCEMENT NOTABLE ACTIVITY: 

Unlawful pier vendors (balloon/flower/churros/bracelets/photographers) present in the during all DART activities.

Sidewalk vendor (fruit salad) was cited twice regarding sidewalk vendor violation - vending within 50-feet from an athletic field & vending while park concessionary stand in operation. 

Pier performers, LA Breakers - Guy with the soccer ball, cited for acrobatics - jumping over audience members, in the course of their performance. Cites to be issued. Permit revocation to be recommended. 

Verbal warning to performer for failing to attend lottery and performing out of space. 

Unpermitted Pedicab Operator observed operating unlicensed pedicab. Advised. 

Verbal warning for unpermitted vendor at 1527 20th street outside of Saint Anne Catholic School parking lot.

Verbal warning for unpermitted photographer for operating without a  business license. 

Unpermitted Event - 1/2 Marathon & 5/10K. cited for violation of SMMC 4.68.040; 

6.04.020; 3.12.360; 13.06.050. Cite #SM090001240 issued. 

44 dog owners advised for unpermitted and unleashed dogs on the beaches north and south of the pier.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM (CET)

Beat 1 – NRO Hollowell CPC Barreto

NRO Hollowell attended the monthly safety walk with Downtown Santa Monica, alongside representatives from HLP, Block by Block, Santa Monica Housing and Human Services, and the contracted security company for the Promenade. During the walk, they identified and addressed key areas of concern, including:

NRO Hollowell and CPC Aguilar met with Housing and Human Services via TEAMS to address calls for service at Samoshell. Patrol has responded to multiple separate incidents involving client disputes at the location. 

Beat 3 – NRO Tago with CPC Barreto

NRO Tago, NRO Hollowell, CPC Aguilar and CPC Barretto attended the Main Street Farmer’s Market. The Community Engagement Team was provided a table at the Farmer’s Market and conducted outreach with the community. CET conducted a walkthrough and engaged with the different vendors. The community was excited and thankful to see SMPD present and the Community Engagement Team looks forward to continuing to outreach at the Farmer’s Market.

NRO Tago and SRO Angel attended Village School’s parent meeting at 2401 Colorado Avenue. The meeting consisted of property staff, school staff, security staff and all of the parents from the school. NRO Tago and SRO Angel were able to speak in front of the group and introduce themselves. 

NRO Tago, NRO Hollowell and CPC Barretto attended the Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP) community meeting. Traffic Investigator Raleigh attended as well and provided traffic related updates to the group.

NRO Tago and CPC Aguilar attended the grand opening of the GOOGLE store on the Third Street Promenade. NRO invited the Downtown Services Unit and Homeless Liaison Team to show their support of the grand opening. NRO Tago met with the manager and GOOGLE leadership. 

NRO Tago spoke to a resident who lives in the 1300 block of Grant Street who explained they are having trouble with a vacant property on their street. This has been an ongoing issue with homeless individuals jumping over the fence and taking refuge in the garage. NRO Tago conducted a periodic of the property on 3/7/25. NRO Tago coordinated with Code Enforcement who will be conducting a property inspection with the homeowner on 3/13/25. 

Beat 4 – NRO Wang with CPC Barreto

The regional manager of Whole Foods contacted NRO Wang about an Estes robbery that had occurred. NRO Wang reviewed the report and kept Whole Foods informed of the investigation. NRO Wang will be visiting the location to ensure visibility and presence.

NRO Wang learned that a jewelry store on Montana Avenue had been the victim of a grand theft. This marks the second time in two weeks that the store has been targeted. In response, NRO Wang reached out to a member of the Montana Avenue Merchants Association Board and the business. NRO Wang, along with CPC Aguilar plans to visit the store next week and survey the location for crime prevention measures. 

NRO Wang attended the Wilmont meeting, the Northeast Neighbors meeting, and the North of Montana Avenue meeting. NRO Wang spoke about the state of the city regarding crime trends and miscellaneous concerns.

Code Enforcement contacted NRO Wang about a vacant property in the 100 block of San Vicente Blvd. They requested NRO Wang to research previous calls for service and provide any relevant contact information.

HOMELESS LIAISON TEAM

 Weekly Statistics:

Officers contacted a subject at 16/SM (7-11) and determined the individual was 290 sex offender registrant out of compliance. 

HLP Team contacted a male subject at the Public Safety Facility who asked for assistance with detox/housing resources. The male subject was referred and scheduled to meet with Salvation Army personnel on 3/10 to be linked to these resources.

The HLP Team, in collaboration with The HOST Team, located and disposed of abandoned encampments/property located throughout the city.

HARBOR SERVICES (HSO)

Major Medical Aid  – 1550 Block of Beach  - HSOs responded to 1550 block of the beach for a possible overdose and located the patient who appeared to be breathing and intoxicated. They transported the patient from the sand to the ambulance and into the care to SMFD paramedics. 

Major Medical Aid  – Bubba Gump’s (Saturday)  HSOs responded to Bubba Gump’s for an intoxicated female and upon arrival located a patient who was unable to walk.  She was assessed and transferred care to SMFD paramedics. 

Weekly Stats:

Authored By

Lewis Gilmour
Lieutenant